AG aide: Martinez copter flight didn't break law

Governor Urged To Reimburse the Cost

A senior official of the state Attorney General's Office says Gov. Susana Martinez didn't break the law when she flew on a State Police helicopter to avoid missing a commercial flight to attend political fundraisers in Texas in 2011.

However, General Counsel R. David Peterson also says it would be appropriate for Martinez to reimburse the state the $800 that the flight cost taxpayers.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that Martinez says she doesn't plan to do that. Her campaign spokesman has said the helicopter flight was proper because Martinez stayed at a Board of Finance meeting that ran late.

State police provide security and some transportation for the governor.

The Attorney General's Office looked into the matter because of a complaint by a political advocacy group, ProgressNow New Mexico.

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